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The parents' guide to what's in this game.

Educational Value

Can foster learning by boosting critical-thinking skills. Players also learn to plan ahead, not only focusing on what they're doing but planning out competitive strategies by paying attention to what their opponents are doing. Math skills come into play as players calculate how many attack, defense points are needed to win, applying basic math in a fun way.

Positive Messages

While trying to save world from evil is positive, use of good, evil characters, focus on battle limit positive messages.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Cards all based on fantasy characters from Elder Scrolls series, so good, evil mixed throughout.

Ease of Play

Well suited to newcomers ofElder Scrollsfranchise, strategy card games in general. Tutorial does good job of teaching basics, but there’s still a learning curve with using certain types of cards.

Game is free to play but encourages players to use real money for premium cards. Game doesn't push buying more packs in game as hard as some others do; option is there for you to click on.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Some alcohol references; characters shown with a mug of ale from a tavern. On one level players engage in a "tavern brawl" tossing beer bottles at each other.

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that The Elder Scrolls: Legends is a downloadable free-to-play online strategy card game featuring creatures, characters, and lore from The Elder Scrolls video game series. While the game is free to download, players do have the option to use real money to purchase additional cards. Thanks to a well-designed tutorial and help options, the game is very easy to get the hang of. Violence is minimal, outside of cards "attacking" each other and a few storyline scenes depicting violence. There also are some pictures of characters drinking alcohol and wearing revealing costumes, but there's nothing else objectionable.

What's it about?

THE ELDER SCROLLS: LEGENDS is a collectible card game (CCG). Battles are against the computer or another player, and all gameplay is online. Players can take on the full campaign, skirmish mode, or battle foes in solo or versus arenas. Your goal is to create card deck collections based on your gameplay strategy and train them up to increase their power. Turn-based matches begin with three cards played in lanes, with each lane providing defense or an opportunity to attack your opponents’ cards. You win when your opponent is out of health. Players can earn extra cards over time by simply playing or by spending real-world money on new virtual card packs. You can also customize your cards by choosing how to upgrade them. New decks unlock along the story mode, which are also customizable based on your personal strategy.

Is it any good?

This card game is fast-paced and deep enough for veterans, yet accessible and engaging for newcomers to card games. You can't toss a broadsword these day without hitting some new fantasy-based card game. Elves, dwarves, trolls, and more are stepping off the bloody battlefields to settle things on tabletop. The latest to make that jump is The Elder Scrolls: Legends, a free-to-play virtual collectible card game based on the hit Elder Scrolls video game franchise. Whether you've mastered all that Tamriel has to offer or you can't tell an Argonian from a Dwemer, this game has something to offer. Thanks in no small part to a great tutorial, The Elder Scrolls: Legends is an easily accessible game for players of any skill level. And even though the game is fast-paced, the lack of a timer means you never feel rushed and have plenty of time to calculate your next move. Legends tosses in some fun new additions to the CCG formula, such as the tavern brawl and pirate ships, where players can throw bottles at each other or have their cards blown around the board.

These little things help break up the monotony of a regular card game, but honestly, it's kind of hard not to get that whole "been there done that" feeling after a few games. There's a storyline for the main part of the game, but it's kind of boring, and when added to the repetition of the card game, it's not enough to keep you wanting to come back for more. Sure, there are things like daily quests to help you earn more coins (and buy more cards), but a fan of the Elder Scrolls games might feel like there's not a lot to really draw people in. Still, if you're a CCG fan or into Elder Scrolls, you should give Legends a shuffle -- you may find yourself spending many hours dealing up some digital fun.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about the meaning of "the luck of the draw" in card games. This game selects cards at random from your deck, but how much of the game is luck and how much is strategy? How can you use both to succeed?

Discuss keeping your cool in a fast-paced game. What happens if you react without thinking ahead in a strategy game like this? If you keep your composure, it’s possible you may still lose, but there is always a chance you can turn things around.

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